"Lead the way," Drake said to Elara, a grin spreading across his face. "I'm eager to see these goblin-infested caves."
Elara smiled back, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Very well," she said. "But try to keep the jokes to a minimum. Goblins aren't known for their sense of humor."
"Where's the fun in that?" Drake muttered under his breath, but he followed Elara as she led him out of the smithy and into the bustling streets of Oakhaven.
As they walked through the city, Elara pointed out various landmarks and explained some of the local customs. Drake listened with feigned interest, but he was mostly focused on observing his surroundings and taking in the atmosphere of this medieval world. He still found it surreal that he was actually here, in a world of magic and monsters, after dying in such a mundane way.
They stopped at a small stall selling travel supplies. Elara purchased some rations, a waterskin, and a few other essentials. Drake, remembering his near-fatal encounter with the Pyrowolf, decided to invest in some basic armor. He bought a sturdy leather jerkin and a pair of bracers, which would hopefully provide some protection against future fiery encounters.
"That's a good choice," Elara commented, nodding approvingly at his purchase. "Leather is light and flexible, but it can still offer decent protection against claws and teeth."
"And hopefully fire," Drake added, remembering the intense heat radiating from the Pyrowolf.
With their supplies gathered, they left Oakhaven through the eastern gate, heading towards the Whispering Caves. The landscape outside the city walls was a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding paths. Elara led the way, navigating the terrain with confidence.
As they traveled, Elara shared more information about the goblins and the surrounding area. She explained that the Grimgut tribe was known for its cunning and its use of traps. She also mentioned that the Whispering Caves were a complex network of tunnels and caverns, making it easy for the goblins to hide and ambush intruders.
"So, basically, it's a goblin playground," Drake summarized.
"Something like that," Elara replied, a slight smile playing on her lips.
After a few hours of walking, they reached the edge of a large forest. The trees here were taller and denser than the ones they had passed before, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was still and quiet, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves.
"This is the edge of the Whispering Woods," Elara said, her voice lowering slightly. "The caves are located deeper within the forest. We should be careful from now on."
Drake nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his new short sword. He activated *Sense Magic*, scanning the area for any signs of magical activity. He could feel a faint magical presence emanating from the forest, but it was difficult to pinpoint its exact location.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew colder and the shadows grew longer. The silence was almost deafening, broken only by the occasional snap of a twig under their feet. Drake felt a growing sense of unease. He knew they were being watched.
Suddenly, Elara stopped, holding up her hand. "Wait," she whispered. "I hear something."
Drake strained his ears, listening intently. He could hear a faint chattering sound in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment.
"Goblins," Elara whispered. "They're close."